Alternative Education
In the Five Star District we know that a traditional school is not always the best fit for every student. In order to support all students and allow them to be successful, we have a number of alternative education options for students. Some you can apply directly to, and some that are referral programs.
Application Programs
Bridge Program (Grades 8-9)
The transition from middle school to high school is a big step. For many students, a smaller and more personal setting is exactly what they need to find their footing. The Bridge Program is designed to give students extra support during 8th and 9th grade so they can enter 10th grade with the skills and confidence to graduate on time.
- The same teachers for two years: Students "loop" with the same teachers for both 8th and 9th grade. This stability helps teachers really get to know your student’s strengths and needs.
- 8th grade (foundation): Students focus on building "student skills,” such as organization and time management—while getting a head start on high school-level work.
- 9th grade (credit building): Students earn high school credits in a supportive setting that feels less overwhelming than a large high school.
- Planning for the future: Every student has a dedicated advisor to help them decide where to go for 10th grade, whether that is back to their home high school or another district option.
Vantage Point High School (Grades 9-12)
Vantage Point High School is an alternative high school that offers an individualized, student-centered program designed to serve students in grades 9-12 who are at risk of not graduating.
Vantage Point is focused on increasing student achievement and success through mutual respect, positive peer pressure and affective support systems in a safe environment. Students are able to start fresh academically with small class sizes and less social distractions, recovering credits to graduate on time. At Vantage Point, students have modified schedules to accommodate job or family schedules.
Teachers and staff at Vantage Point are committed to helping young people become productive, healthy, ethical and successful citizens who are prepared for post-secondary education and/or the workforce.
Pathways Future Center (Ages 17+)
Pathways Future Center School is an alternative education campus which uses a blended learning model to meet the needs of students looking to earn a traditional or competency-based diploma.
Pathways is a supportive learning environment that models a professional business atmosphere. Instructors and staff work in partnership with students to develop a graduation plan and schedule designed to meet their goals.
Pathways has several levels of support in place. Students are afforded a small, personalized learning environment that utilizes online curriculum combined with in-person classes. Students work with teachers in groups for content instruction, individually for additional support or specific skill development, and in a lab environment. In addition, Pathways has three guidance counselors, three family outreach liaisons, two learning specialists and a school psychologist.
Students graduate from Pathways with the skills and confidence to thrive in the 21st-century workplace.
Gateway to College at Front Range Community College
The Gateway to College program allows you to earn your high school diploma and college credits, too, all while taking classes on the Front Range Community College, Westminster campus. The program covers tuition and books for up to 12 credits per semester, while students pay their student fees. Students eligible for the program are 16-20 years old, dropped out or at-risk of dropping out, behind in credits, able to receive a high school diploma by your 21st birthday, and reading English at the 8th grade level or higher.
High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma
Zero Dropouts Next Online GED+ Program : Looking for an opportunity to obtain your GED? Next GED+ is an online program offered through Five Star Schools for Five Star students who have been active sometime in the current school year. Students must be at least 16 ½ years old, enrolled in a district high school at some time during the current school year and at risk of dropping out. Students who complete the orientation process and are enrolled in Next Online GED+ will continue to be enrolled at their high school while engaged with Next Online GED+. Flyer (Spanish)
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Connect to Next Online GED+ by talking to your HS counselor, completing the Referral Form OR contact Next Online GED+ by emailing r.rose@zerodropouts.com or calling (720) 955-3564.
Referral Programs
Vista View (Grades 6-12)
The Vista View program provides services to students in Adams 12 Five Star Schools that have been expelled from middle and high school for violating district policy concerning student discipline. Vista View seeks to meet the academic and social emotional needs of expelled students. It does so by providing academic instruction in mathematics, science, and language arts, with the goal that students maintain or increase skills in these areas. Additionally, students work with a social worker in small group sessions to help students effectively deal with issues/situations that may have gotten them in trouble.
For more information about this program, please contact Program Coordinator Tiffani Gussman at 720-972-5805.